Grassland PV unlimited

Hollabrunn ignores the opinion of the citizens

Model projects such as PV apricot protection are now possible - but there is no limit on the number or size of installations.

(Bild: Versuchsanlage Hainfeld)

In a lengthy debate that ended in a controversial referendum, 60 percent of participants voted against photovoltaics in the countryside. However, the turnout was too low and the result was not binding. However, as the ÖVP has the majority, it marched through with all six installations without compromise.

Now certain special plants - such as the one to protect apricot trees (we reported) - will be realized in the same way as large-scale plants. And as future projects were never ruled out, the municipality now has a completely "free PV path".

"Anything is possible now"
The opposition is not on the same page here, such as the Wolfgang Scharinger list: "Anything is now possible, with no time or area limits," he criticized in an urgent motion, which was shot down by the ÖVP. "My suggestion to use the time until approval for compromises and to seek consensus with large disgruntled sections of the population went unheard," said Scharinger angrily.

Restriction of maximum PV areas
He cites Retz as a positive example: "They value the landscape there and have limited PV in grassland to five hectares." City manager Alfred Babinsky could not be reached for comment.